Side Lying Scissors is a more advanced Pilates exercise excellent for increasing core strength, sculpting long, lean legs and improving balance. A welcome addition to any Pilates workout, Side Lying Scissors is a variation of true Pilates exercises Side Kicks and Side Leg Lift Series. In fact, if you are a Pilates beginner, we suggest you start with those two Pilates exercises! While this Pilates exercise may look easy, stabilizing your body while lying on your side takes tremendous core strength, and the movement of the legs challenges this stability immensely. The true Pilates exercises mentioned above do not require movement of both legs, which is why Side Lying Scissors is an advanced Pilates exercise.
In your Pilates workout, it is important to work in neutral so that your abdominal muscles learn to support the spine in its neutral alignment. Side lying Pilates exercises are great for this, as the spine remains neutral (no flexing or extending!) against the movement of the legs, which improves core strength. For the Pilates beginner, it can be challenging to keep the spine from moving and remain still, but that’s where the “work” in Pilates workout comes in! But remember, this is an advanced Pilates exercise, so if you find yourself unable to balance side lying performing this Pilates exercise and/or feel any discomfort in your back, then try one of the easier true Pilates exercises Side Kicks or Side Leg Lift Series. With all of the side lying Pilates exercises, Pilates beginners and professionals alike will tone the inner and outer thighs, develop amazing core strength, and sculpt chiseled abs!
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